BSc (Hons)
Policing Studies and Forensic Psychology

Course fees

Tuition fee type

Cost (per annum)

Full time home/EU tuition fee:

£9,250 per annum*

Full time international tuition fee:

£13,250 per annum*

*The Department for Education (DFE) have recently announced that they intend to freeze tuition fees for the 2018/19 year. This is still subject to parliamentary approval. Once confirmed we will update our web pages accordingly.

Course type

BSc (Hons)

UCAS info

Points required:
104

UCAS code: MC11

Institute code: L51

Study mode

About your course

By completing the BSc (Hons) Policing Studies and Forensic Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University you will gain an understanding of the British legal system, examine how the criminal justice system intersects with psychology, and develop a deep knowledge of the principles and best practice driving 21st century policing

​Highly focused professional policing degree

You will be taught by lecturers with academic and professional backgrounds in policing and a variety of areas of psychology

Be part of the new Liverpool Centre for Advanced Policing Studies, the UK's first research centre devoted to supporting the needs of 21st century policing

Regular career workshops and symposiums delivered by police officers, psychologists and police career specialists will help to prepare you for a career in policing or criminal justice

Opportunities to gain real-life experience of policing as a Special Police Constable or police volunteer

"The course has been extremely interesting, giving me an insight into the policing world while developing my understanding that the term policing can be incorporated in to many different career aspects

Ben Griffin, graduate

This is a great course that is always developing and I have learnt a lot in my three years on this course. The skills and knowledge that I now have is going to be very valuable when getting into a career after my degree, it's a fantastic course and will only get better and better

Jamie Halleron-Kerr, graduate

Work-related learning

​Work-related learning is incorporated into every level of this programme so that once you graduate you will be equipped with a range of transferable skills and knowledge in analysis and interpretation, presentation, teamwork, initiative and research.

You will be strongly encouraged to become a Special Police Constable, a police volunteer or to volunteer within the criminal justice field throughout your studies so that you can gain practical insight into operational practices, build professional relationships and enhance your employability skills for police and related criminal justice professions after graduation.

Support and guidance

Dedicated personal tutor plus study skills support.

​It is often useful to discuss course-related issues on a one-to-one basis and for this reason we will assign you a personal tutor for the duration of your studies at LJMU. Your tutor will also help you put together your personal development plan so that you can monitor progress and set your own targets.

Module tutors also provide support in the form of online learning materials, course guides and one-to-one consultations if you need them, and there will be study skills sessions to help you prepare for assessments.

Course details

This Policing Studies programme will take you on a critical exploration of contemporary policing issues, combined with cutting-edge learning in the fascinating area of Forensic Psychology.

​Policing is a subject that does not take place in a vacuum, indeed it is a subject that arouses great debate given that the police are such a powerful social institution, routinely engaging with diverse communities and social groups. It is this very public aspect of policing that provides the ongoing context for study and makes for heated and lively debate.

The course moves beyond taken for granted definitions and ideas, and critically evaluates claims to knowledge. This programme has a particular focus on forensic psychology within the context of policing, allowing you to explore the complex relationships between law enforcement, the perpetrators, victims and practitioners involved in the criminal justice and penal systems. The programme's BPS accreditation is pivotal for those wishing to enter the field of forensic psychology and related careers.

You are strongly encouraged to become a Special Police Constable, a police volunteer or to volunteer in some other way within the criminal justice field for the duration of your studies on the Policing Studies degree programmes. We will assist and support you to identify such opportunities and in making applications for such roles.

What you will study on this degree

Please see guidance on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.

​Level 4

Introduction to Policing

Practice, Procedure and the Criminal Law

Policing Studies - Skills for Success

Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology 1: Relationships and Associations

Introduction to Developmental Psychology and Individual Differences

Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology 2: Testing for Differences

Introduction to Biological and Cognitive Psychology

Level 5

Professional Skills for Policing

Practice, Procedure and Criminal Law 2

The Psychology of Investigation

Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology 4: Advanced Quantitative Research Methods

Cognitive and Biological Psychology

Developmental and Social Psychology

​Level 6

Advanced Social Research Skills

Psychology Dissertation

Forensic Psychology

The following options are typically offered:

Contemporary Issues in Professional Practice

International Fieldwork for Policing

Policing, Security and Risk

Geographic Information Science and Geo-computation for Public Safety

Terrorism and Counter-terrorism

Investigative Skills

Application of Intelligence to Policing

Multi Agency and Partnership Working in the Statutory and Voluntary Sector

Psychopharmacology and Addictive Behaviour

Face Perception: Processes and Disorders

Social Cognition

Work Psychology

Further guidance on modules

The information listed in the section entitled ‘What you will study’ is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal Academic Framework review, so may be subject to change. Students will be required to undertake modules that the University designates as core and will have a choice of designated option modules. Additionally, option modules may be offered subject to meeting minimum student numbers.

Please see the programme specification document for further details on this course.

Teaching and learning

Excellent facilities and learning resources.

​Teaching is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops and seminars all of which you are expected to attend. In addition you will be supported to develop your skills relating to independent study and group work. You will need to participate in online activities and discussions using our virtual learning environment, Canvas.

Your lecturers

Expert tuition and support.

Your tutors have a wide range of practical and academic policing-related and psychology-related experiences and are actively engaged in research exploring innovative topics in policing, criminal justice, psychology and HE pedagogy. This feeds directly into original and thought-provoking material for all Policing Studies programmes including the FDA, BA (Hons) and BSc (Hons) programmes.

The team is also committed to ensuring you get the most out of your learning experience. They are available at set office times to meet you for one-to-one consultations to discuss course-related issues, but in addition you will be allocated a personal tutor who will guide and support you throughout your time at LJMU.

Assessment and feedback

Assessment is usually conducted via portfolios with supporting concept development work and sketchbook/s.

We understand that all students have different strengths and preferences when it comes to assessments, so we use a variety of methods to assess your work structured across the academic year. These include essays, exams, fieldwork projects, reports, case studies, portfolios, online blogs and wikis, workplace practice, posters, presentations (individual and group), debates, reviews and group work.

You will normally receive extensive written feedback on your assessments, and occasional verbal feedback. All feedback is designed to help you achieve your full potential and get the most out of your studies, so staff will be available to discuss it with you and direct you to further support if you feel you need it.

Entry requirements

Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements

Minimum points required from qualifications

104

Application and selection

​Prior to application you should be mindful that you will be required to become a Special Police Constable, a volunteer in policing, criminal justice or a related field for the duration of your studies at LJMU.

If you do wish to volunteer for the Police, you must fulfil the minimum requirements set by the police (in terms of integrity and health) and are therefore advised to consult Merseyside Police constabulary's policies on recruitment to ensure that you are eligible:

GCSE and equivalents

Prior to starting the programme applicants must have obtained grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification below:
• Key Skills Level 2 in English/ Maths
• NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
• Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
• Higher Diploma in Maths/ English
• Functional skills level 2 in Maths/ English
• Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
• Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number

A Levels

Minimum number of A Levels required: 2

Is general studies acceptable? Yes

Are AS level awards acceptable? Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications

Average A Level offer: BCC

Maximum AS Level points accepted: 20

BTEC qualifications

BTEC certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications

90 credit diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications

Diploma (QCF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

Diploma subjects / grades required: D*D if no other level 3 qualifications are taken, or to the total of 104 UCAS tariff points when combined with other qualifications

Extended diploma (QCF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

Extended diploma subjects / grades required: DMM if no other Level 3 qualification taken, or to the total of 104 UCAS tariff points when combined with other qualifications

Access to Higher Education Diploma

Access to Higher Education Diploma acceptability: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

Further information: At least 9 Distinctions and 36 Merits, or any other combination that equates to 104 UCAS Tariff points in a relevant subject

International Baccalaureate

International Baccalaureate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

Additional information: 24 IB Diploma Points

Welsh awards

Welsh Baccalaureate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications

Irish awards

Irish Leaving Certificate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

Additional entry requirement information

​Applications are welcomed from mature and non-standard applicants, who will be considered on an individual basis. These applicants may be required to submit an essay and/or attend an interview, and should demonstrate potential and motivation and/or have relevant experience.

We welcome applications from International applicants who will be considered in line with normal entry requirements.

Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check via NARIC.

Finance and fees

Find out more about the student funding that you may be eligible for from either LJMU or the government. This section will give you information about grants and loans as well as targeted support for students with children, adult dependants or those with a disability.

Please note that the amount of money you will receive as a student is dependent on where in the UK you normally live (i.e. England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland).

LJMU scholarships

LJMU's scholarships are open to all new full-time Home and EU undergraduates that are liable to pay tuition fees. These awards are not income assessed, they are based on excellence. If successful, you will be awarded a scholarship for each year of your course subject to satisfactory progress. Scholarships are worth between £1,000 and £10,000 per year. The money you receive doesn’t have to be paid back.

LJMU bursary

The LJMU bursary is automatically paid to eligible students – you do not need to apply for it. The annual bursary is £500, which works out at £1,500 over a three year degree.

LJMU bursaries are means-tested and you don’t have to pay them back; they are intended to help you meet some of the costs associated with being a student.

Tuition fees

In 2018 LJMU will charge Home and EU students a tuition fee of £9,250* for the majority of its full time undergraduate programmes and £6,935* per year for part time courses. You will be charged a fee for each year of your course. The University reserves the right to increase fees up to the maximum permitted by law or government policy in the second and subsequent years of your course. Generally, these fee increases are linked to RPIX inflation (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).

*Subject to parliamentary approval.

The important thing to remember is that you don't have to pay your tuition fees upfront - subject to meeting eligibility criteria, you can take out a tuition fee loan for each year of your course.

You can also take out a maintenance or living cost loan for each year of your course to cover your living expenses, such as rent and food.

You don’t start repaying your student loans until after you’ve left university and start earning at least £21,000.** Please note that the Department for Education who govern student support for students from England have recently announced it intends to increase this threshold to £25,000. This remains subject to parliamentary approval and we will update our website once further information is confirmed.

LJMU is committed to ensuring that students understand the full cost of studying at the University. Your tuition fee will cover or contribute to, as appropriate, expenses associated with your core modules, including:

safety equipment, such as lab coats and goggles

uniforms for nurses, paramedics and other professional placements

UK field trips and other educational visits

student exchanges

DBS checks (Disclosure and Barring Service – formerly CRB)

Professional sector regulatory body membership

** Repayment threshold for students normally resident in England and Wales.

Living expenses (maintenance) loan

In addition to your tuition fees, eligible full-time undergraduate students can also apply for a maintenance loan to cover your living costs. If you’re eligible, you can take out a loan for each year of your course.

The amount you’ll receive will depend on where in the UK you normally live and your household income. This money will be paid into your bank or building society account in three instalments and it’s up to you to budget for your living costs.

The government has stated that it intends to introduce a pro rata maintenance loan for part time students from England from the 2018/19 academic year.

Paying back your student loans

You only start repaying your student loans the April after you have graduated or left university and start earning £21,000* or above. Repayments are based on a percentage of your salary not how much you have borrowed from the Student Loans Company. Repayments are currently set at 9% of any income over the threshold (which is currently set at £21,000).* Please note that the Department for Education who govern student support for students from England have recently announced it intends to increase this threshold to £25,000. This remains subject to parliamentary approval and we will update our website once further information is released.

*Repayment threshold for students normally resident in England and Wales.

Career prospects

Once you complete one of the FDA, BA (Hons) or BSc (Hons) programmes, you will have the knowledge, skills and qualification that makes you an attractive candidate for a career in the police service or for careers in many areas particularly connected to investigation, security or criminal justice e.g. roles within the armed services, prison service, social work or criminal justice-related roles within the Civil Service.

​Alternatively you may consider studying on a suitable postgraduate qualification in Policing, Criminal Justice, Forensics, Psychology, Criminology, Law or another relevant topic.

Successful completion of the FDA, BA (Hons) or BSc (Hons) programmes do not provide any guarantee of recruitment as a trainee Police Constable. Each police force within England and Wales sets out its own recruitment process and selection policy and entry requirements vary from force to force. You are therefore strongly advised to check the specific requirements of your chosen force prior to undertaking study.

CareerSmart programme

All students in their first year of study will have an opportunity to engage with the CareerSmart programme as an integral part of a core module of study. Once you have completed this, a wide range of other career-related provision and services will be available to support your development throughout your studies.

The new CareerSmart e-learning tool will introduce you to the steps involved in making informed choices about your career. It will enable you to consider your strengths and development areas, your career motivators, the options available to you and the necessary steps to take to achieve your career goals.

Professional accreditation / links

​All of our qualifications conform to the professional and regulatory guidelines established by The College of Policing and have been developed to reflect changes in the way that police constabularies are recruiting new constables nationally.

Students who complete an FDA, BA (Hons) or BSC (Hons) Policing Studies programme could (subject to the proviso above) receive accreditation/exemption from core aspects of the Initial Police Learning and Development Program through which student police officers in England and Wales are trained in the role of Constable.

International Scholarships

Studying at LJMU offers international students excellent value for money and the opportunity to secure an internationally-respected qualification plus outstanding career prospects.

LJMU offers scholarships for international students. The provision and range of these scholarships can change from year to year so it is important that you always check the website for the most up-to-date information. The University also accepts a range of external funding, should you be awarded a scholarship or sponsorship from elsewhere.

International Foundation Year and International Year One programmes

LJMU offers international students the option of completing International Foundation Year and International Year One programmes at the University’s International Study Centre. These courses are managed and taught by Study Group, a world leader in education and training for international students. For more details on the International Study Centre, go to www.ljmuisc.com/

English language qualifications

All international applicants must have an internationally recognised English language qualification, such as IELTS (International English Language Testing Service). Your English language qualification must have been certified within the last two years for verification purposes. LJMU will accept other UKVI-recognised English language tests providing you attain the appropriate level.

This table summarises the minimum scores required by LJMU, although specific course requirements may differ depending on the programme you want to study.

English language support to improve IELTS

If your English language level does not meet the required entry requirements for your course you may still be offered a place on the condition that you successfully complete an English for Undergraduate Study course at LJMU’s International Study Centre.

Tuition fee deposits

International students are liable to pay a minimum deposit of 50% of their tuition fees before their CAS can be issued. The outstanding balance must be paid in full within 4 months of the given enrolment date.

Living Costs

When you apply for your visa or entry clearance, you will need to provide evidence of having enough money to support yourself for the duration of your programme and to pay for all of your living expenses. The good news is that the cost of living in Liverpool is one of the lowest in England, which means your money will go even further, allowing you to enjoy your student experience to the full.

In addition to academic fees, you must budget for living costs such as accommodation, food, clothing, books, local travel and entertainment. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) states that students studying outside London must have £1,015 per month for a maximum of nine months to cover their living costs.

We estimate that a single student living in LJMU-approved accommodation is likely to need an average of £5,000 to cover just their rent for a full academic year.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme Certificate (ATAS)

If you have applied to study an Enhanced Undergraduate Degree (such as an MEng) course at LJMU, you should check if you require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme or ATAS certificate.

Alternatively, contact LJMU’s International Admissions Team for guidance. It is important to note that, if required, an ATAS certificate must be obtained before your Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies can be released to you.

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Before you can apply for permission to enter or remain in the UK under Tier 4 you will require a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies or CAS. LJMU will only assign a CAS once you have satisfied the conditions of any offer made to you and you satisfy the University’s obligations as a Tier 4 Sponsor. For more details, visit the international students section.

Your visa application

As soon as you have received an offer of a place at LJMU you should contact the Entry Clearance Office at the British Embassy, British High Commission or Consular Office in your own country to check whether you need a visa for entry into Britain. You are advised to do this as soon as you can as the visa application process can take a long time.

Please Note: To obtain an Entry Visa you should go to the British Embassy or High Commission in your own country, and present the following documents:

A declaration of your intent to return home on completion of your course of study

The University may make changes to a programme of study or module where such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Further guidance on programme changes